Statements voiced by Chechen Mufti against Ingush theologians contain elements of criminal offense, advocate asserts

According to Moscow advocate Zelimkhan Arapiev, the video statements made by the Mufti of Chechnya against Isa Tsechoev and Khamzat Chumakov, religious leaders of Ingushetia, contain signs of incitement to hatred and hostility towards a group of persons on the grounds of religion.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 21, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) of Chechnya posted a video appeal by Mufti of the Chechen Republic Salakh Mezhiev who critisized and insulted Ingush spiritual leaders Isa Tsechoev and Khamzat Chumakov.

"The statements made by the Mufti of Chechnya fall under Article 282 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (incitement of hatred or enmity, as well as humiliation of human dignity). Part 1 of the above Article 282 focuses on acts committed against a group of persons on the grounds of sex, race or language, profession of religion, as well as affiliation to any social group, committed publicly, as well as with the use of media, including the Internet," Zelimkhan Arapiev told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Meanwhile, the advocate has noted that for opening of a criminal case and proving the guilt under the above Article of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, it is necessary to conduct the appropriate examination to reveal whether the Mufti has committed acts aimed at inciting hatred.

"All the videos published by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) of the Chechen Republic fall under Article 282. The statements made by the Mufti result in incitement of hatred between his supporters, who listen to him, and the followers of those Imams, whom he criticizes," advocate Zelimkhan Arapiev has noted.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.